While attending a local church service I was especially intrigued by the title the pastor had chosen for his sermon. It was "How God blesses you." It was a fairly innocuous title and it didn't really seem as if it was going to be as pithy or poignant as his usual sermons. I immediately thought, "this should be quick". After all, "Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells you so" (You know the rest). Accept this spiritual tenet and, pardon the diluted theology but, that is it in a nutshell! Hmmm.... thought I.....Why do we really need to know the "HOW"? Whether we understand the "HOW" or not doesn't seem to be of importance. What was particularly memorable was how much the sermon revealed of the pastor and of how it answered a long lingering question that I have harbored for quite some time: How do we measure "being blessed"?
During the sermon the pastor began to mention some of the members of the church and the businesses the members own, stating that God had blessed them. This piqued my interest because quite some time ago I had been interviewed by one of the mentioned business owners and I was offered a job. After accepting it, I discovered his prevaricating ways and consequently I elected to seek other gainful employment. I gave this incident considerable thought.
The pastor began to state some specifics and I grew more uncomfortable. The pastor said, "Mr.______ has been blessed by God and his business grows because of his Christianity and contribution to this church. You couldn't find a better man." Wow! what an advertisement from the pulpit to a captivated audience and/or congregation!
I believe in God's blessings and I am confident God will continue to bless many in every walk of life. However, therein lies the rub! I have a bit of trouble with one man's interpretation of "blessing" I am concerned that people will accept "pulpit words" as doctrine without ever thinking for themselves. In short, just because a pastor says a man is blessed doesn't necessarily make it truth. Our society is very cautious about dedicating its edifices, walls and streets to the living because people change and/or some socially unacceptable aspects of their life could suddenly be revealed! We wait until they are deceased and then we entomb any poor memories at the interments services.
The pastor continued and strongly alluded to the idea that monetary gain was a strong indicator of a blessing. It was, at that point, difficult for me to contain myself but I was successful. Please understand that I am not denying that God has the power to use whatever tool He wishes to use. He certainly affords wealth to whom he pleases. I believe He blesses us with money to point us in the right direction. My concern with the pastor pointing out wealth is that too often we don't couple it with money's true purpose: The advancement of God's word.
It's my personal study and Biblical finding that a monetary abundance is one of God's tools. In addition, whenever we read about the rich we also are reminded of the stark contrast of the monetarily bereft, the indigent, the downtrodden and "huddled masses". WHY?......To prove that the ground is level at the cross! Nobody can amass enough money or "things" to climb to a higher level. The wealthy are ALWAYS left with a sobering responsibility and choice and that is: Whom do I assist and how much do I contribute. In a word, stewardship. To God it doesn't matter how much you have in your coffer it matters how well you use what He has afforded you. When any pastor fails to state that the poor man is just as blessed by God, the pastor fails miserably.
As the pastor continued he began talking about the successes of some surrounding businesses. He began to name a few. Suddenly he decided to focus on a new business in town, one that he said could not be blessed. He gave its location and expressed his utter disdain against its existence. His voice peaked as he shouted: *"Do you think God can bless a porn shop!!!!?"
I have driven by that same store for the past five years or so. (Ironically it is on the way to church.) Apparently God CAN bless a porn shop. It seems it must be financially sound to have lasted that long. When I see the store I often think about the pastor's words and I was bothered by the pastor's myopic vision. How God chooses to work, use His money or His tools is God's business. God has a plan. It's not whether God CAN bless us or the shop that sells liberal material. He can because He is sovereign. In his omnipotence and omniscience he often does what we will never comprehend. There are many successful worldly people. Many choose to operate immoral businesses and are immoral people. Let God be the judge. Of course where you spend your God provided money, whether you are rich or poor, is a tool that you can use. Can God bless a porn shop? I say yes. Does He? Well, I guess I'll leave that up to God.
So, I ask you. Which was blessed? The lieing successful 'Christian' business owner or the 'successful' porn shop business owner? I submit that defining 'being blessed' is a precarious perch.
It was a great sermon. A bit more pithier than I expected. Perhaps even more than the pastor had intended, but I guess that's how God works:..... individually.
*"Can God bless a porn shop?"
This poignant comment that stuck in my head was spoken as an example from the pastor during his sermon topic. I offer this incident not to castigate the pastor but more as a warning that there is a stark contrast between spirituality and religiosity.
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